Optimal Operation of Borkhar Aquifer Using Simulation - Optimization Methods

In this study, the simulation of the BORKHAR plain aquifer located in north-east of Isfahan was done for the estimation of the hydrodynamic coefficients and for the preparation of the prediction and management model with the purpose of the study of the water table surface situation in the next years. The study of the geological situation of the plain and the report of the drilling of its exiting wells indicated that the BORKHAR plain has two kinds of aquifer: confined and unconfined. According to the field data related to the unconfined aquifer, a part of this aquifer was selected for the mathematical simulation. The calibration model for the estimation of the K and Sy. coefficients was done by dividing the plain into four geohydrologic units and by using the PEST, a module of the MODFLOW model. The situation of the water table level during 1380-1390 was studied according to the different management options by the calibration model. If the trend of the exploitation doesn’t change during the next ten years, we will confront with a maximum drop of 48 meters. As a practical way for preventing from this drop, it was suggested that the exploitation management reduce the 30 percent of the demand. One of the most important result of this will be the 26 percent reduction of the drop. By developing an optimization model and by imposing the necessary constraints on the critical regions, and transferring water from other parts, it seems that the trend of the drop will be controllable at a admissible level (less than 10 meters until 1390). Using the optimization model will make a change in the increasing trend of the drop and an improvement in the situation of the aquifer.